Cooking apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cooking apparatus that has a support stand having a grill coupling section and a grill assembly releasably coupled with the coupling section of the support stand, and the grill assembly having a stand alone leg assembly which is supported by the support stand when the grill assembly and support stand are coupled. The coupling assembly preferably includes a telescoping relationship as in a projection off the grill assembly received in a pedestal stem representing the support stand which is at a height suited for stand up cooking. The leg assembly is preferably provided with an interconnected linkage and slide assembly which allows for the legs to expand out and lock in place and to then be collapsed again for telescopic insertion into the pedestal stem as in a collapsed state which allows for a free dangling extension in the support stem while the projection is in sliding contact with the upper cavity surface of the stem. The coupled grill assembly and the support stand are also preferably secured in coupled position with a securement assembly as in hand manipulatable latch(es) and/or fastener(s). One embodiment features a gas grill with gas burner and rigid gas supply line attached to a grill base body or the projection or some other portion of the grill assembly so as to allow a gas supply source to be maintained fastened to the grill assembly during coupling or removal of the grill assembly relative to the support stand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication No. 29/194,932 filed Dec. 4, 2003, and which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed at a cooking apparatus with apreferred embodiment featuring a self-integrated grill assembly, and asupport and grill assembly combination comprising the self-integratedgrill as well as a support device (e.g., a stand-up pedestal supportwhich couples or interconnects with the self-integrated grill assembly).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of supported grill assemblies can be seen in the prior artsuch as the pedestal grill assemblies presented in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,931,805; 5,404,795; 5,875,772 and EP 018692. These pedestal supportsare intended to provide a grill unit that is at a desired “stand-up”cooking height relative to a standing person. They are rather cumbersomeand are not generally designed for mobile transport and hence are notgenerally deemed mobile in nature, or, if are utilized in mobilefashion, are not well suited for easy transport with regard to size,shape, and/or weight.

There is also seen in the art a variety of smaller, typically lessheavy, low height grills that are versatile in the sense of being lightand of small volume for easy transport (e.g., from the garage or houseout to the lawn or to a vehicle for use at a park, campground, sportingevent tailgate party or the like).

There is also a need in the art for improved cooking waste capture as ingrease dripping down to the base of a grill assembly. There is also roomfor improvement in the prior art for improved heat dissipation within agrill assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a cooking apparatus that is highlyversatile in providing the advantages of a supported grill assembly(e.g., a pedestal supported grill assembly) as well as a removable grillassembly releasably attachable to a support stand of the supported grillassembly. A preferred embodiment features a removal grill assembly thatis self-integrated or stand alone (e.g., can be removed from the supportstructure and has its own support structure which is, for example,lighter and/or shorter in nature as compared to the less mobile“stand-up” support stand). Preferably the grill assembly is fullyintegrated with no additional components needing to be attached orutilized, except for, perhaps, fuel source means, as in a gas tank orcylinder, fuel briquettes, etc.). Thus, an embodiment of the inventionprovides a cooking apparatus, which includes, in one mode of use, thecombination of a support device and grill supported by the supportdevice, and, in a second mode of use, involves a removed self integratedgrill assembly, as in “ready for immediate use” without further grillattachments and/or assembly or disassembly. For example, a grill housingwith integrated, manipulatable leg support assembly that is adjustablebetween a storage mode and a grill in operation mode, as in a collapsingand expanding leg assembly which remains fixed to the grill's mainhousing during both states.

The present inventions cooking apparatus includes a removable grillassembly and a stand-up grilling embodiment with a support stand thatplaces the grill assembly at a higher level for ease in stand-up cookingwithout environmental height increasing support structures. For example,under the present invention there is provided a stand up cooking grillassembly mode and a mobile grill assembly mode which modes allow for agreater variety of usage environments as in different location low levelground usage or environmental higher level support situations, as in atable or the like for the grill assembly when separated in addition tothe noted stand up mode. In other words, the dual mode capability of apreferred embodiment of the present invention makes for a highlyversatile, mobile grill well suited for picnic table support or othertypically preferred smaller grill settings as in tailgate events,campgrounds, and beach usage, while the other mode provides a moresedimentary, generally non-mobile assembly (outdoor deck, poolside, orbackyard for repeated usage at a common position).

One embodiment of the present invention includes coupling means forreleasably coupling the grill assembly and support stand, as in atelescoping relationship with a projection on one and a caption recessin the other which preferably has a slide contact relationship andmatching peripheral shapes to avoid wobbling of the grill assembly wheninstalled on the support stand. A preferred embodiment also includesmeans for releasably securing the grill assembly to the support standonce coupled. The means for releasably securing preferably includesnon-tool release securement means (as is preferably true for thecoupling means) with one example being a releasable securement assemblywith a first securement component on one of the grill assembly andsupport and a second securement component on the remaining one of thegrill assembly and support. As one example, there is provided a latch onone of the two and a catch receptor on the other of the two, as in oneor more over-center latch devices. For example, in a preferredembodiment a pair of opposing (e.g., diametrically on opposite sidewalls) latches are provided on the support stand and a correspondingnumber of capture recesses are provided or supported on, for instance,the base housing of the grill assembly, as in the aforementionedcoupling projection, for engagement by the latches and releasablesecurement of the grill assembly to the support stand. Use of morepermanent securement means (e.g., tool required fasteners) is alsofeatured under another embodiment of the present invention, either aloneor as a supplement to the non-tool embodiment. For example, dual tooland non-tool securement means may be provided as when extended periodsof usage in assembled condition are anticipated (pre-purchase, storage,shipping, etc.), while periods of dual use are also contemplated.However, a preferred embodiment features a non-tool, hand releasable(and preferably also hand securing) securement assembly with oneembodiment featuring the aforementioned latch arrangement, and otherexamples including thumb screw fasteners, grasping handle/boltcombinations, spring biased extension pins, circular rotating latch andclasp assemblies, combinations of the above, etc. As an additionalexample, in one embodiment there is provided a plurality of thumbscrews(or, as another example, threaded fasteners with associated turn handle)which extend into aligned apertures formed in mating or adjacentsurfaces (e.g., three side as in the two sides and rear) of therespective grill assembly and support stand reception section.

As previously indicated, the grill assembly is preferably of a“ready-to-use” type once removed from the support stand and uponcompletion of any associated expansion or component manipulation betweena support stand reception position and grill assembly stand aloneposition. As one example, a grill assembly of the present inventionincludes a leg assembly, which is preferably a collapsible leg assembly,that collapses into a support stand reception mode which facilitatescoupling of the combination via the coupling means and, upon removalfrom the support stand, is manipulatable into a self support mode whichcan be carried out with minimal operator assistance, as in pulling,turning, shifting, etc. of one or more components of the leg expansionassembly. Alternatively, such action is either facilitated or replacedwith an automatic manipulator means, as in a device for automaticallyaffecting expansion or movement of the grill assembly self supportcomponents upon removal of the grill assembly form the reception area ofthe support stand. For example, in one embodiment of the invention thereis featured a collapsible leg assembly with spring bias which biases thegrill assembly into a leg expansion state and helps retain that state.However, such an arrangement can make support stand insertion andattachment more difficult for the operator who has to work against suchan automatic expansion device (at least until a collapsed leg latchingdevice can be implemented (e.g., a spring biased pin supported on aslide post that can retain a sliding ring in a collapse mode untilreleased in umbrella like fashion)). Accordingly, an embodiment of theinvention includes a device that can be easily manipulated by anoperator to adjust the grill assembly from a collapsed storage state toan expanded self support stand alone state which is free of any positionbiasing device.

In one embodiment, the contraction/expansion leg assembly comprises abottom post, a spoke like lever assembly, and an adjustable leg set. Forexample, there is featured a lever assembly that includes a slide ringslideable along a post extending from or below a lower bottom housing ofthe grill assembly. Also, star extension levers or link members arecircumferentially spaced about the ring and pivotably and/or slideablyattached thereto, and the outer ends of the levers are pivotally and/orslideably attached to intermediate portions of support legs that extenddown from the lower region of the grill assembly. The upper ends of thestand alone grill assembly legs are preferably pivotally and/orslideably secured to a base region of the grill housing assembly andprovide support to the grill assembly cooking enclosure and fuel and/orheat supply means if present when in use. The legs preferably divergeoutwardly in going down from the bottom of the base housing of the grillassembly and are of a length and number (e.g., a single one with largelyenlarged footprint (e.g., a shorter sub-pedestal arrangement),preferably at least two legs (with intermediate and large footprints),and more preferably three, four or more legs) to provide a stableplatform for the grill assembly when separated from the support stand.In one embodiment of the invention, the free ends of the legs (whichpreferably are flat bottomed, expanded regions of the legs) extend outto a radial intermediate region between the central vertical axis of thegrill assembly and the direct down shadow edge of a peripheral edge ofthe grill's base cooking enclosure housing and more preferably radialout to that peripheral edge or radially beyond, as in radially 25 to 50%farther out from the outer shadow edge location of the base housing.

Thus, in use, when the grill assembly is removed from the support stand,the sliding ring (the ring and post preferably being circular in shapebut other configurations are also possible, as in matching polygonalconfigurations) slides or is slid down along the slide post taking withit the connected interior link members which cause the legs to expandout as the link members go from a more vertical state to a morehorizontal state. As one example, the outward extension of the linkmembers cause the legs to adjust from an initially vertical or close tovertical collapsed state to an expanded downward and outward slopedgrill support state. Preferably the full expansion state of the legsputs them at about a 30 to 60° (e.g., 45°) slope arrangement and alsoplaces the legs in a temporary lock-out state, as in each link member ofthe spoke link arrangement being moved to a generally horizontal and/orstraight line status which locks out the legs in their expanded state,particularly with the weight of the base housing on the outwardlysloping legs. The slide post is thus preferably made to accommodate asufficient slide range in the ring to achieve that temporary lock outstate in the leg support levers, with preferably a degree of additionaldownward extension in the slide post to avoid undesirable release.Alternately, there is featured a post cap placed at the lower end of thepost to lock on the ring.

The grill assembly also preferably has a main base housing well suitedfor encompassing a heat source or heat supply means as in a gas burner,an assembly of briquettes, coal, wood, electric heater units, etc. Inone embodiment a gas burner is provided as in a propane burner headwhich is supported within the interior of the main base housing as theheat supply means. The gas burner is in gas flow communication with gasline conduit(s) that work in conjunction with a fuel source supplymeans, as in a propane tank. The grill assembly main base housing alsopreferably provides support to the gas supply lines and a gas and airflow control device (e.g., valve). In addition, the base housing alsopreferably supports a lid as in an integrated (rotatably attached) lid,although a completely removably lid or cover is also featured under thepresent invention. An additional embodiment includes a flame diskinsertion with reference being made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,382 sharingat least one common inventor with the present case which illustratesvarious flame disk embodiments and is incorporated by reference, as wellas a base pan insert as in one of the base pans described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,029,566 also sharing at least one common inventor, and which isalso incorporated herein by reference. The present invention furtherincludes additional improvement in its flame disk and base panconfiguration which is well suited for cooking waste removal and highefficiency heat dissipation. A suitable grill rack is also sized forsupport within the base housing.

As noted above, a preferred embodiment features a cooking apparatuswhich comprises a ready to use grill assembly which has the sameassemblage of components within the support stand support mode as itdoes in the separated from support stand, self standing self-supportingmode. In one embodiment of the invention there is provided gas fuelsupply assembly which is associated with the grill assembly such thatthe same gas supply supply and control system is utilized both when thegrill is in support stand mode and when on its own. For example, a gascontrol knob with gas valve associated with it is featured in oneembodiment to provide variations in the fuel/oxygen(air) mix being fedto a burner head in the base housing (e.g., a cyclone burner).Furthermore, there is also preferably included a gas connection devicethat utilizes a gas (or in-feed) line (e.g., flexible intermediate gasline) with gas canister connection free end, or a gas canister by itselfconnected directly to a burner in-feed line. A flexible gas line isconnected in one embodiment at one end to a more rigid grill assembly(e.g., the grill base) supported burner feed line and has an oppositeend suited for connection with a gas source as in a 20 lb propane tankor a smaller embodiment, as in a 1 LP gas cylinder. The gas connectionbetween the gas source and burner head preferably includes a grillmounted gas supply pressure regulator to which is either attached theintermediate (e.g., flexible) gas line or the gas canister directly dueto a common thread arrangement. In addition, relative to the gas supplymeans, there is also preferably provided, in gas communication with theburner head, a relatively rigid supply line that extends out from themain grill housing and includes, for example, the noted intermediate gasline functioning as a propane tank hose line attachment means for usewith a 20 lb LP (9.09 kg) gas cylinder supported on the ground or likeand positioned a distance away from the support stand. In an alternateembodiment a smaller gas container is provided, as in a 1 lb LP gascylinder, that can be attached directly to the rigid supply line device(e.g., to a threaded port in the regulator) so as to have the gascylinder supported/suspended off the ground by way of its connection tothe preferably rigid supply line device (with or without additionalsupport features such as a holster support or platform supported on thesupport stand).

This direct connection of a smaller gas supply canister is alsopreferably applicable to the grill assembly alone mode, and, in apreferred embodiment, the supply line device is connected to a part ofthe grill assembly so the entire supply line device goes along with theremainder of the grill assembly upon removal of the grill assembly fromthe support stand. In view of the removed grill's typical mobile nature,the use of the 1 lb canister is deemed to be a desirable combination inthat the small canister is sufficient for most remote cooking usages andis easily mobile like the grill itself. In the small canister useembodiment, it is possible to use the gas canister while in the supportstand and then remove both the grill assembly and attached canister awayfrom the support stand while keeping the combination of the grillassembly and gas supply container together during the transport to alocation remote from the support stand. This facilitates ease of use ingoing from one mode to the other in that the gas supply remainsunaffected during removal and movement away from the support stand.

A preferred embodiment of the invention also preferably includes a dripreception collector, as in a drip tray with a preferred embodimentfeaturing a drip tray that is supported by a component of the grillassembly, as in a slideably supported tray supported at the lower regionof the housing. In one embodiment there is provided a telescoping bottomportion of the telescoping projection of the base housing designed tonest within a reception area of the support stand. The drip collector ispreferably supported so as to be adjustable between a storage state(e.g., a slid in state) wherein it does not interfere with the insertionof the grill assembly into the support stand, while also beingadjustable to a collector opening access state to facilitate removal ofcollected material (e.g., a sliding drawer arrangement as in one withcomplete slide out freedom or a stop with or without additionalmulti-positioning capability as in the freedom to pivot into a dumpingorientation following assuming a slide out state.)

The present invention also features a waste (e.g., grease) flow(includes falling solid material and/or liquid flow material) dispensingarrangement which facilitates the capture and removal of grilling waste,as in grill food components, ash, etc., in conjunction with the noteddrip tray. To facilitate the grease flow dispensing the dispensingarrangement of the grill assembly is self contained relative to theremovable grill assembly, and thus avoids involving or contaminating thesupport stand. That is, there is avoided a high degree of pedestalcleaning requirement. The grease flow dispensing arrangement includes aflame disk having a main body that is preferably horizontally planar andhas a downwardly curving peripheral end (preferably continuously allaround the periphery, although only some of the sides (if multiple sidesinvolved) is also featured under the invention). Preferably the downwardflange portion of the flame disk extends essentially about the entireperiphery (e.g., 85 to 100%) as it facilitates heat retention relativeto the heat source below. The flame disk also preferably has teardropped shaped apertures covered over by uplifted covers to provideefficient heat dissipation and with the covers providing protection fromgrease falling within the center area of the grill assembly, which isless suited for waste removal.

The grease falling from the flame disk falls into a base pan having anenlarged, centralized interior aperture through which extends a burnerhead and/or through which flows heat from a heat source below (gas head,fuel briquettes, etc.) and which is surrounded by an upstanding flangemember which helps capture grease between that flange and an outerslopping wall extending up off the intermediate floor region of the basepan. The base pan has a slight slope down from (e.g., 10° or less, as in2 to 5°) with a smaller drain aperture provided within the intermediatefloor region and preferably closest to the lower most portion of theintermediate floor region (e.g., the drain aperture having an edgecoincident with the border edge between the base pan's shaped outer walland its floor region or just inward by 5 inches or less). Thus, anygrease dripping off the flame disk will first be captured between theflange defining the central burner head reception aperture and the outersloped wall of the base pan (which outer wall can also function todirect grease down to the intermediate floor region). Further, anygrease received by the intermediate floor region is directed under theforce of gravity toward the lower positioned drain aperture. The floorregion described herein can also include, for example, a continuation ofthe outer wall region, as in the lower half of a semi-circular base panwith the aperture then preferably moved closer to the central apertureflange, although a preferred embodiment features an intermediate floorregion made distinct from the side wall, as in the aforementionedplanar, sloping downward intermediate floor with corner break leadinginto the upwardly extending wall region of the base pan (e.g., the moreradially outward positioned drain apertures facilitate maintaining thegrease away from the burner head or other heat source more centrallypositioned and, as explained below, provides for usage of the grill baseconfiguration to help channel grease into a desired location relative tothe drip pan).

For example, in one embodiment, the base pan is positioned (e.g.,suspended) above the bottom floor of the grill base (e.g., above the gasflow piping and ignition components, if gas flow is involved) and hasmeans for receiving and directing waste into a desired feed locationrelative to an aperture in the grill base bottom leading into thereceiving cavity of the drip pan, as in a sloping side wall section thatis integrated with an edge of a receiving cavity for the drip pan whichcan be, for example, a corner edge of the drip pan and/or the grillbase's floor aperture. For example, a welded or otherwise fixedski-slope insert for directing grease falling from the (with or withoutconfined upper extending side edge walls) base pan grease aperture or anintegrally formed section of the grill base itself (e.g., such as apunched in section via a die or original molding pattern) can beutilized, which is either planar or has a slight concave cross-sectionto facilitate flow directing. The sloping nature of the receiving anddirecting means and its relative positioning to the grease apertureprovides for, with the assistance of gravity, all of the grease capturedin the base pan to be properly focused and directed into the drip trayto avoid waste build up or contact with other less desirable areas. Thereceiving and directing means thus directs the grease dripping out ofthe grease aperture into the desired receiving location in the driptray, where it can be readily discarded once sufficient build up hasoccurred, simply by sliding or otherwise removing the drip tray from thedrip tray receiving aperture provided in the grill assembly.Furthermore, this waste capturing arrangement is self contained in thegrill assembly and fully functional in both the combination mode and thegrill assembly stand alone mode, and preferably is provided with a pullout handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the cooking apparatusof the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows a top plan view of the grill base shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 2A shows a perspective, rear view of the grill assembly alone,which in FIG. 1 is shown as a component of the combination grillassembly and stand-up support structure of the cooking apparatus.

FIG. 2B shows a front elevational view of a grill assembly which is aself-integrated, stand alone grill assembly.

FIG. 2C shows a right side elevational view of the grill assembly.

FIG. 2D shows a left side view of the grill assembly.

FIG. 2E shows a rear elevational view of the grill assembly.

FIG. 2F shows a bottom perspective view of the grill assembly of FIG.2A.

FIG. 2G shows the grill assembly of FIG. 2D with its cover open and itscooking grill surface and heating means illustrated.

FIG. 2H shows a left side and bottom perspective view of the grillassembly.

FIG. 2I shows a rear corner perspective view of the grill assembly.

FIG. 2J shows a rear side and bottom perspective view with the legassembly collapsed.

FIG. 2K shows a cross-sectional view of the grill assembly taken alongcross-section I-I in FIG. 2E.

FIG. 3 shows the cooking apparatus with the grill assembly in acollapsed state to provide for insertion and removal of the grillassembly relative to the stand-up grill support of the cookingapparatus, and with an alternate grill assembly securement means thanthat shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows a view similar to FIG. 3, but with a person holding ade-coupled and removed grill assembly.

FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of the grill assembly followinginsertion or placement of the grill assembly into a coupled positionrelative to the support stand.

FIG. 5 shows a rear elevational view of that which is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A shows a right side, perspective view of that which is shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6B shows a right side elevational of that which is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6C shows a left side elevational of that which is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective, upper view of the support stand followingremoval of the grill assembly with over-center latch on two sides.

FIG. 7A shows an alternate embodiment of the support stand having amulti-piece stand base shown close to assembly completion.

FIGS. 8A to 8E show various views of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 4with large container supply gas heater assembly with heater means(burner) in gas communication with a gas source (20 lb LP container).

FIG. 9A provides a close up view of the grill assembly and support standcombination with releasable securement means which features a latcharrangement shown in an unlatched state with grill assembly yet to beseparated from the stand.

FIG. 9B shows the latch in an intermediate grill assembly securementstate.

FIG. 9C shows the finger manipulatable (no tool required) latch beingmanipulated towards its final locking state.

FIG. 10 shows a side elevational view of the cooking apparatus withsmaller volume fuel supply supported thereby.

FIG. 11 shows that same fuel supply being used with the grill assemblyfollowing removal from the support stand and placement at an independentlocation.

FIG. 12 shows the fuel source control panel and adjustment knob that isfunctional both relative to the combination state and in the separatedgrill assembly.

FIG. 13A shows a top planar view of the flame disk shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13B shows a cross-sectional view taken along cross section lineII-II in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 shows an alternate upper insertion in the support stand of FIG.1.

FIG. 15A a top plan view of the base pan insert shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15B shows a cross-section view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C shows a cross-sectional view along III-III in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15D shows an enlarged view of circled region A in FIG. 15C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a first embodiment of the cookingapparatus 10 of the present invention comprising a lower portion 30 andupper portion 20 that is removable from the lower portion 30 and isrepresented in FIG. 1 by the cooking apparatus components in explodedview positioned above the upper, open end of the lower portion 30.

Lower portion 30 is shown in FIG. 1 as a grill support structure, which,in a preferred embodiment, is a support stand of pedestal design.Support stand 30 includes a base support portion 32 and an elongatedstem portion 31. The base support portion 32 and stem portion 31 arepreferably rigidly secured to each other as by way of a weld or nut/boltconnection. Support stand 30 is further shown in FIG. 1 to have amulti-sided (e.g., square), rounded corner periphery base 32 from whichcentrally extends a hollow post or stem 31. Base 32 preferably presentsa larger foot or contact surface periphery relative to the bottom ofstem 31 to provide a stable platform to the upper portion 20 which inFIG. 1 is represented by a gas burner grill assembly. Base 32 canfurther be weighted in ballast like fashion as in providing an interiorcavity for reception of weight material such as sand to further increasestability and to further avoid knock over. In an alternate embodiment,there is featured base fixation means as in bolt(s) or threadedaperture(s) which enable the support stand to be more rigidly fixed inposition for even greater preference location stability as in a deck orcement pool side. In a preferred embodiment of stand 30, base 32 is ofsufficient inherent weight and foot pattern to provide the desireddegree of comfort relative to stability from bottom to grill supportupper end (e.g., a square base of 1 to 2.5 feet sides, as in a 2′×2′square base), free of additional hold-down means as in the notedballast. Alternate embodiments of the support stand include, forexample, support stems of continuous cross-section (e.g., mounted in theground or in a cement or in a cup support placed in the ground or of arelatively large cross-section along the entire length).

FIG. 7A shows an alternate “assembly required” version of the supportbase 32 featuring four trapezoidal base sub-components 32A, 32B, 32C and32D having common angled adjacent side edging with suitable fastenermeans as in bolt tabs 135 provided on each for receiving nut and boltcombination 137 (similar tab and nut and bolt combinations arepreferably further provided at the interfacing edging of the base ofstem 31 and the radially interior edging of the trapezoidalsub-components (one set identified by reference no. 132 in FIG. 7A)).

Also, in a preferred embodiment featuring a pedestal design, as in FIG.1, the stem has a converging cross-section in going from its base to itsupper edge E, with the base 32 also preferably having a sloping upward,from out to in, upper surface. In addition, a preferred embodimentfeatures a stem having an upper end section which defines an upper grillassembly reception cavity 25. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, stem 31has upper free edge E which defines opening O, which leads into cavity25 with opening O, having an area sufficient to receive a portion of thegrill assembly (e.g., an insertion section or telescoping portion, as inthe entirety of the collapsible leg assembly and a grill couplingprojection portion as described below). In addition, edge E and thereception cavity 25 are preferably arranged to provide sufficientcoupling projection and leg assembly insertion depth.

As shown, grill base 22 preferably has a peripheral footprint smallerthan that of base 32 to facilitate stability and avoid an overhangrelationship relative to the base (e.g., 30% or less in maximum sidelength or diameter if circular), although an overhang relationship isalso featured under the present invention, particularly with a heavierweight, stable support stand.

In a preferred embodiment, the stem is hollow from its exposed bottomedge of engagement (e.g., a weld or underlying bolting) with base 32 toits upper free edge E (e.g., a seamed or folded upon itself sheet ofmetal).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the area defined by edge E is about 9to 144 square inches with a periphery of about 3 inches to 12 inches(e.g., a square cross-section with sides of 4 inches beingillustrative). Edge E preferably includes one or more straight sectionsto avoid, for example, relative rotation between the grill assembly andstand, and to facilitate coupling as well as attachment of the matingcomponent with securement means. In addition, there is also preferablyprovided one or more corners in edge E to facilitate desired relativealignment and positioning of the upper portion and lower portion when inan assembled state. The meshing corners of the support stand and aninserted projection of the grill assembly also help in alignment duringtelescopic insertion and telescoping passage along the stem's centralaxis.

The upper portion 20 and lower portion 30 can be made of material knownto those in the related field. Preferably, the material used to make theupper portion 20 and lower portions 30 are flame resistant (e.g. flameresistant metals or plastics). Preferably, the material is also rustresistant, as in stainless steel or black steel, to be readily usable inan outdoor environment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion or supported portion 20 of cookingapparatus 10 comprises a grill assembly base housing and associatedindependent leg support structure 12 assuming a ready to use state(e.g., leg assembly expanded out into a larger periphery foot printcoverage than occupied by the upper edge E of the support stand andsufficient to provide stable support to the remainder of the grillassembly). This expansion state is derived from the collapsed stateshown in FIGS. 3 and 3A representing the insertion and support stemreception state of the leg assembly. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, whilein a supported by support stand 31 storage state, leg assembly 12 has aperipheral footprint that is less than that of upper edge E definingopening O as to provide for insertion in telescoping fashion of legassembly 12 into opening O followed by projection portion 14 used as aninsertion or coupling means during telescopic connection as explained ingreater detail below. This projection is sized in the embodiment shownto be in sliding contact (e.g., 0.00 spacing or preferably at least lessthan an {fraction (1/8)} inch clearance to provide for greater “nowabble” grill assembly stability).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2K, grill assembly 20 comprises main grillhousing assembly HA which comprises, in combination, lid 21 which formsan upper cooking enclosure (and is preferably generally sealed off toprovide a cooking enclosure with the exception, for example, of one ormore vents 21 a which can be either permanently opened or provided withadjustable closure shutters (not shown)) as well as a back vent spacingLV described below. Main grill housing assembly HA further includes basehousing 22, which forms a bottom half, preferably sealed off, cookingenclosure except, for example, for a drip ash passage aperture PA (FIG.21) at its bottom as described in greater detail below. As shown, grillbase housing 22 preferably has sloping downward and inward walls thatmerge with the bottom center of the base housing where the one or moreapertures are provided in the bottom floor region 61 (FIGS. 2F and 2K)of base housing as well as side wall air intake aperture SW (FIG. 2F).An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a solid or continuousbase of floor wall. In a preferred embodiment, though, floor region 61preferably includes flanging or a wall section closing off the bottomand providing underlying support for burner 43 on burner stand SS (FIG.1A). The combination of lid 21 and base housing 22 provides a suitablecooking enclosure.

Additional internal components can also be provided as in componentsthat are varied depending on the cooking technique desired such thatsome or all of the below described interior grill components might beomitted or replaced with alternate type of grill components. Mostintended usages include the use of one or more cooking grill racks as ingrill rack 52 (FIG. 1) having slide stop back extension 52 a adjacentvent space LV (FIG. 25). Grill rack 52 is shown supported in the base 22via the ridge 22 a that is formed in the top of the grill base 22. Alsoas can be seen from FIGS. 2H and 2J, the top lid 21 and grill base 22connection arrangement preferably features direct, sealing contact alongthe sides and front of the grill, while the hinges H1 and H2 aredesigned to accommodate rear side venting region LV that has food grillsection 52 a providing a food slide off blocking function while allowingfor gas venting and with downward flange section FL providing for adownward, then further out, and up exhaust gas flow passage. In apreferred embodiment, there is also provided within base housing 22,base pan 50 which (and as described in the earlier noted U.S. Pat. No.6,029,566) is shown to include a bowl or pan region having a bottomaperture 50 a with an upwardly extending peripheral flange 50 b.

Base pan or inner bowl 50 is shown in FIG. 1 as including upper outerextending flange portion 50 c sized for reception within a steppedperipheral zone of ridge 22 a in base housing 22 in sealing fashion(which helps in avoiding undesirable flow leakage external to the belowdescribed grease channeling arrangement). FIG. 15D provides an enlarged,cross-sectional view of the two step shoulder arrangement for outerflange portion 50 c. The inner flange step in the double step outer edgeof base pan 50 (see FIG. 15D) provides a grill rack support location.

Housing assembly HA preferably comprises one or a set of ventingapertures as in the upper lid venting aperture 21 a, best shown in FIG.2A, which provide for air/gas flow in and out of the grill enclosure.Additionally, as best shown in FIG. 2B, lid 21 includes a front wallportion 62 (opposite rear wall portion 63 shown in FIG. 2A) with frontwall portion 62 having opening handle 66 as well as a temperature gauge68 to facilitate cooking temperature control. (See also FIG. 2K). Lid 21also preferably features a flange or beaded bottom peripheral edge 64designed to overhang and extend over a stepped flange peripheral section22 a of base housing 22.

As shown in FIG. 1, flame disk 51 is positioned over aperture 50 a byway of legs 51 b to facilitate heat dispersion in a desirable fashion asexplained in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,382. Thus flame disk51 has a main body suspended over aperture 50 a in base pan 50. Flamedisk 51 also has a bottom plate 51 e with heat dispersion channels 51 a,which, is suspended over the head of burner 43 to help dissipate heatover a broader range below the grill rack with burner 43 being connectedto the knob via at least one gas valve line assembly as in one includinggas valve 42 shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13A and 13B provide a top planar and cross-sectional view of flamedisk 51 and as can be seen include tear drop or radially inwardconverging heat dissipation apertures DA which are covered over withconcave cross-sectioned covers 51 a. An additional feature notillustrated in the embodiments featured in the aforementioned U.S. Pat.No. 6,012,382 is the inclusion of downwardly directed peripheral edgingPE that is preferably continuous about the entire main plate siding offlame disk 51, and has a relatively short radial length (e.g., less than10% of a flame disk main plate edge length (or diameter) but sufficientto help hold in some degree of heat to a location under the flame diskto facilitate the heating up of the flame disk and use of itsdissipation apertures DA.

Extending below grill housing assembly HA is combination or couplingsection 14 which preferably includes a downwardly extending projectionthat has a periphery corresponding to the edge between the bottom wall61 and sloping side walls (e.g., wall 48) of base housing 22. Projection14 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as comprising a vertical flange with a lowerprojection wall section which provides one or more interior or uppersliding surface(s) on which receptacle drawer or drip tray 27 (FIG. 2A)slides. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, projection 14 is shaped and sizedfor insertion into opening O defined by edge E so as to provide a snugfit (preclude rotation and preferably provide a degree of stability byway of the male/female connection). For example, a range of actualsliding contact to less than a {fraction (1/8)} inch clearance betweenthe telescoping or coupling surfaces of grill assembly 20 and stand 30,is illustrative of a snug or stabilizing coupling fit with the peripheryof the edge E and projection 14 preferably being of the same shape.

In FIG. 1 there is further illustrated a first embodiment of securementmeans for securing grill assembly 20 to support stand 30 followingcoupling. Projection 14 is shown as having apertures 23A designed toalign with stem holes 33 formed in the upper end of stem 31 with theapertures 23 a, holes 33 and thumbscrews 34 working together to providetool less securement means. Thumbscrews on the rear and opposing sidesillustrates a preferred three sided arrangement. Threaded thumb screws34 are designed to extend into threaded apertures 23A to secure grillassembly 20 to support pedestal 30. A set of three is illustratedalthough less or more than that numbered are options under the presentinvention. Thus, the combination of the aligned holes in the respectivecomponents and connecting fasteners 34 provide a means for releasablesecuring the mobile grill assembly 20 to the support stand. In analternate embodiment, the securement means is represented by latchassembly 62 as shown in FIGS. 6C and 9A to 9C which includes first latchcomponent 64 comprising latch base 66 attached to the upper region ofstem 31. Latch assembly 62 can be used alone or in combination withother securement means as in the aforementioned thumbscrews. Inaddition, under the present invention, reliance can be placed solely onthe coupling arrangement (e.g., a frictional, telescoping relationship),although, the inclusion of the securement means provides an added factorof safety in ensuring the combination remains combined. A preferredembodiment features back, left and right thumbscrew fasteners andopposite side latch assemblies designed to latch into reception holes102 shown in FIG. 9A formed on opposing side walls of projection 14.Once latched, if present, the thumbscrew holes are in a proper locationfor connection or reliance can be placed solely on the latches.

Grill assembly 20 is shown in FIG. 1 in an exploded view near itssupport location relative to stand 30. FIGS. 2A to 21 show grillassembly 20 alone or separated from support stand in a ready to usestate. FIGS. 2J and 3 show grill assembly 20 with its self supportassembly (e.g., collapsible/expandable set of supports legs) in acollapsed state. In a preferred embodiment, the grill assembly isdesigned to combine or couple with stand 30 via an assembly means forcombination or coupling as in the telescoping male projection 14 andfemale stem reception cavity 25. In utilizing a telescoping arrangementas the means for coupling, the self support grill leg set 12 is designedto be collapsible for reception into reception cavity 25 at the upperend of stem 31 together with a lower combination section 14 of basehousing 22, which is also designed for insertion past opening O intoreception cavity 25 in telescoping fashion. For a preferred embodiment,the coupling section is a projection extending down from the bottom ofthe grill's base housing 22 and has a peripheral configuration thatconforms to that of edge E. While an arrangement wherein the grillassembly projection 14 is inserted internal to the stem in a telescopingrelationship is preferred, other arrangements are also featured underthe present invention as in having the grill and assembly means forcombination being of a capping nature relative to either or both of theindependent grill support structure 12 and combination section 14 overthe upper end of support stem 31. Examples include, an arrangement whereone of the projection member and leg assembly extends to the exterior ofthe support stem and the other internally as in a spider like legassembly received in reception grooves or conduits external to theopening O and the projection extending into cavity 25; or thecollapsible leg set into cavity 25 and projection 14 housing a verticalflange peripherally designed to cap stem 31. The coupling means of thepresent invention further comprises, for example, a non-telescopingflange to flange arrangement with, for example, the connector portion orprojection 14 being flush on the upper end of stem 31. Also, while apreferred embodiment features collapsible, downwardly extending legs asthe grill assembly's self support structure, other arrangements are alsofeatured under the present invention as in legs that collapse upwardlyeither internal to the base housing 22 or external to the base housing22, or stick radially out to some extent. However, the arrangementwherein the collapsed legs and the coupling means are received withinthe stem is preferred as there is ample room in the stem, there isfacilitated an expansion of those legs into self support mode, and alower center of gravity is provided. Also, having projection 14 arrangedto telescope internally within the stem, is a preferably easily “hiddenaway” embodiment.

Grill assembly 20 includes a base 22 and a dome lid 21 which isremovable or retractable from the base 22. Preferably the dome lid 21 isattached to the base 22 at one side of each via at least one hinge as inthe left and right bracketed hinge supports H1 and H2 as shown in FIGS.2C to 2E, featuring a U-shaped bracket component having an outer surfacesupporting a pivot post PI (FIG. 2H) and arranged flush relative to alid tab LT completing the hinge joint with the hinge connection, thedome lid 21 can be lifted into an open position with the dome lid 21,when in the open position, being preferably substantially perpendicularto the base 22. The dome lid 21 and base 22 can also be of anyconvenient peripheral or volumetric shape (e.g., round, square,triangular or other polygonal shape) and are preferably square inperipheral shape. The volume of the dome lid can have a variety ofshapes as in the illustrated sloping, somewhat flat lid walls, asemi-spherical dome or other arrangement as in specific shapes (e.g., afootball helmet shape).

In a preferred embodiment where a form of gas is used as a source offuel (e.g., propane), a control knob 41 is attached to a control panel40 (see also FIGS. 2B and 2C) which is attached to a front side wall 48of the base 22. The control knob 41 can be manipulated by the user tocontrol the amount of fuel or the size of the cooking flame while thecooking apparatus 10 is in use. The control knob is also preferably usedin conjunction with a gas supply and ignition assembly gi such as thatshown in FIG. 2F having an ignition unit which is known, per se, in theart (e.g., a push into ignite and rotation to control gas flow system asshown in FIG. 12).

The coupling portion 14 shown in FIG. 1 further includes means forsecuring the grill assembly S to the support stand which comprises atleast one connection hole 23 a, and preferably a plurality of connectionholes 23 a, as in one for one or more of the stem walls such as one forthree or each of the four abutting or adjacent connector portion wallsurface, and stem portion receiving wall surface combinations (seemultiple holes 23 a illustrated in FIG. 1). When the grill assembly 20and support stand 30 are coupled, the hole(s) 23 a in the connectorportion 14 meet with corresponding hole(s) 33 in the stem portion 31 ofthe base portion 30 such that an insert 34 (e.g. a thumb screw) can beinserted in the matched hole(s) 23, 33 to thereby secure the upperportion 20 to the lower portion 30.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2E to 2J and 3, a discussion of an embodimentof the stand alone grill support means 12 is provided. In theillustrated embodiment, stand alone grill support means 12 is in theform of an expandable/collapsible leg support assembly 12, having a legsub-assembly (e.g., two or more legs 24 preferably with increasedcontact foot pads 24 a). FIG. 1 illustrates legs 24 diverging outwardfrom a more centralized connection location with the remainder of thegrill assembly as in upper pivot connection 70 (e.g., single flangepivot post or a double flange trunnion pivot connection). For example,in FIG. 2F there is shown the upper and more radially internal leg end24 e pivotable secured to the double flange with pivot trunnionarrangement 70, while the twisted radially interior section 24C receiveda pivot pin therethrough arranged in equally circumferentially spacedseries around post 25 on the bottom wall 72 of projection 14 as shown inFIG. 2F (e.g., four legs at 90° intervals). As seen from a comparison ofFIGS. 2F and 3, the pivot connections 70 are spaced in close proximity(generally at or slightly vertically upward or below) relative to thebottom edge of the outer flange defining the exterior of projection 14such that the upper leg pivot connection 70 is generally hidden fromview in normal use. Legs 24 each also have an intermediate linkageconnection pivot attachment 76 generally positioned at about a halfwaypoint along the length of each leg (e.g., a pivot post extendingthrough) a U-shaped leg main body portion 78 with underlying cavity forreceiving the transverse pivot post and radial outer end of legexpansion levers 24 c as can be seen from the bottom view shown in FIG.2F. The U-shaped cross-sectional legs 24 further include no-scratch pads80, as in the horseshoe shape plastic or elastometric material padsshown in FIGS. 2C and 2F secured to the free ends of the U-shaped mainbody of the legs 24.

Expansion links 24 c extend radially inward from their pivot connectionwith respective pivot posts 76 with the U-shaped leg cross-sectionproviding a degree of clearance for the radial external tip of links 24c to rotate while the opposite legs provide bridge support to the pivotshaft providing pivot point 76. The interior most ends of links 24 c aresecured to slide member 82. Slide member 82 is shown to have an annularor ring shape and to conform in configuration with slide post 25 (e.g.,a low friction concentric ring about post arrangement). In addition,expansion links 24 c are connected at their radial interior ends toslide member 82 as in an interior pivot connection or coupling. Further,a preferred embodiment utilizes a twisted link (FIG. 2D) having agenerally horizontally planar exterior link section 84, on intermediatetwist section 86 and a generally vertically oriented link section 88. Inthis way, the desired pivot axis orientation is attainable (both pivotaxis extending horizontally) but relative to vertical and horizontallyoriented link sections. Furthermore, the vertical extension of post 25is shown in a preferred embodiment to be less than the verticalcomponent of the outwardly sloping legs 24 (the rise aspect of thesloping legs) when in a grill stand alone support setting, but greaterthan a portion of that rise taken at a horizontal plane intersection ofthe common height leg to link pivot posts 76. This horizontal plane alsopreferably extends through ring 82 as a horizontal “lock-out”arrangement when the grill assembly is in its ready to use independentfrom the support stand mode. When in the lock-out arrangement, the legsslope downwardly and outwardly from their upper grill connection pointat, for example, an angle of 30° to 60°. The slide post 25, as in theillustrated cylindrical tube shown, also preferably has a length whichplaces at least 10% or more, preferably 25% or more, of the post lengthbelow the above noted horizontal cross-sectional plane taken at pivotlocations 76. The run or horizontal component of the slope preferablyextends out to at least 60% of a circle touching the exterior mostperipheral points of the lid (e.g., 4 points for a square lidconfiguration) and more preferably in an 80 to 130% range along ahorizontal. As to the vertical rise, the height that the legs lift thegrill off a support surface is preferably within at least 75% of thehorizontal run (e.g., to conform with a desirable 30 to 60° slope andwith a 45° slope being illustrative). A height D of 3 inches to 1.5 feet(e.g., 6 to 8 inches) is preferred between the bottom flange edge 82 inFIG. 2D to the ground support surface G is (illustrative of a preferredstand alone grill height range). This is used in conjunction with asupport stand 30 having, for example, a 2.0 to 3.5 feet (e.g., a 2.5foot height) to provide an elbow level association relative to a personwithin a 5 to 6 feet height range. This relationship can be seen in FIG.3A.

FIGS. 2J and 3 illustrate grill assembly 20 with its stand along legassembly 12 in a collapsed state and ready for insertion of post opening0 into the reception cavity 25 of stem 31. The collapsed state for legassembly is achieved upon ring 82 being shifted upward along post 25 topreferably an abutment position relative to bottom wall 61 provided atthe base portion of base grill component 22 (or a bottom wall ofprojection 14 is drawer cavity 27′ (FIG. 2J) is designed to be closedoff by providing a horizontal close off wall at lower projection edge 14e. As shown in FIG. 2C, in going from a expanded self support positionto a collapsed storage state, legs 24 rotate inward about pivotconnection point 76 as shown by rotation arrow R, while links 24 c eachrotates in direction Sp about their inward pivot connection with ring82. Once the ring reaches its end of travel the legs are arranged in avertical or convergent configuration as shown in FIG. 2J to facilitateinsertion into stem 31 as well as later removal in the manner shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 also illustrates, in dashed lines, carrying bag B with handle 90and zipper access opening Z (e.g., a zippered opening). When in thecollapsed state, the grill assembly is easily insertable into bag B orother carrying case, as there is avoided any outstanding volumeincreasing components such as legs that can easily catch on the bagopening edge when the grill is being inserted into the bag or againstthe walls of a confinement area such as a vehicle back seat.

In a preferred embodiment of the cooking apparatus, a gas burner systemis included. To supply the gas burner with gas, there is provided grillgas flow line 60, best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2D. Gas flow line 60 ispreferably a rigid gas line supported by the grill assembly as insecurement to base housing 22 and/or projection 14. As shown in FIG. 21,gas line 60 is shown having an exposed, outer line section 60 a withpressure (low pressure maintenance) regulator 60 b and threaded connectportion 60 t. The above noted control knob 41 provides an on/off andrate adjustment gas supply control means between gas burner 43 and a gassupply source (e.g., directly from a gas cylinder screwed ontoconnection assembly 60 b of the regulator or via an intermediate line asin a flexible line to a gas tank). For example, FIG. 2A shows a flexiblegas line 26 with flow valve securement end 26 a and gas supplyconnecting end 26 c. End 26 a thus includes means for attachment to theexposed gas line section 60 a, while its opposite end 26 c includesmeans for attachment to a gas supply canister, as in a 1 lb or 20 lb gascontainer (e.g., a standard 20 lb propane gas tank).

FIGS. 2A and 2D further illustrate gas line 60 preferably being at leastin part a rigid gas line (e.g., thick walled metal tubing that is notdesigned for bending, as in steel or thick copper piping) that extendsthrough an aperture (Ap—FIG. 2I) in the grill assembly (e.g., the bottomright hand corner of the receiver wall 49, within an inch or two of thebase grill bottom wall 61 of base grill component 22 or a connectionassembly bottom). Line 60 is preferably rigidly fixed to the grillassembly, as in a clamping or aperture fit arrangement between the lineand the grill assembly, etc., with a preferred rigid securement meansincluding aperture wall contact as in W just inward of or clamping atthe point of entry at aperture Ap for the rigid gas line 60. As shown inFIGS. 1, 2A, and 2F the rigid gas line 60 feeds into the burner supplyline (BS-FIG. 2F) with gas valve controlled by control knob 41 and valve42 and with ignition system gi.

The illustrated embodiment of the present invention reveals aversatility in the choice of gas supply arrangement for both the standalone grill assembly mode and the stand up support stand/grillcombination mode. For example, FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E providevarious views as to a large or extended use (e.g., week(s) or month(s)of typical use as in above 20 hours of use at typical burner settings)gas supply source. In FIGS. 8A to 8E there is illustrated a 20 LP tank Tas the illustrated extended use length gas source. FIG. 8C illustratesflexible gas supply line 26 in a detached state relative to tank T whileFIG. 8B shows tank T in an attached state to flexible gas supply line26. As noted above, supply line 26 is in gas supply communication with arigid gas line component of line 60 having 60 b and exposed rigid gaspipe 60 a extending to the grill base housing where the interior portionof gas line 60 extends. Upon connection of threaded connecting end 26 cto the threaded gas exit conduit of tank T, and turning on the tank'sgas flow valve, gas is fed from the tank T to burner 43 via flexibleline 26 and more rigid gas line 60 with control valve 42. A suitableflexible gas line link is at least 1½ feet and preferably two to fourfeet.

FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein a smallergas supply source is utilized such that the cooking apparatus is free ofany intermediate gas lines between the rigid gas line 60 and the gassupply source. In FIG. 10, a smaller gas supply source is provided(e.g., one which provides about 2 hours of use during typical flowsettings). FIG. 10 also shows the smaller canister (e.g., a 1 lb propanecanister) C being connected and freely suspended from its threadedconnection with regulator 60 b (i.e., the rigid nature of the gas line60 a and its stable connection with the grill assembly allows forsufficient strength to support at least lighter weight canister, as inthe 1 lb gas tank). In an alternate embodiment there is added anadditional small tank support unit ST such that a platform or holsterdesign arranged in conformation with the central thread access not beingaskewed while ST tank is in support position.

FIG. 11 shows grill assembly 20 detached and removed away from supportstand 30. As seen, gas supply source C is coupled with the grillassembly. For example, the same canister can be maintained attached bothduring an insertion sequence (going from a stand alone grill set up toan insertion (following collapse, for instance) and securement relativeto the support stand) as well as vice versa (going from a grill being insecured support relationship with the stand to a stand alone state(e.g., following leg assembly expansion, for instance)) with the tank STeither supported by the support substrate (ground or table, for example)or suspended with rigid line.

The securement means S of the present invention can take on a variety offorms with a preferred embodiment featuring a non-tool (handmanipulatable as to release from a final securement state and preferablyalso to reach a final desired state of securement) as in the illustratedthumb screw assembly, wing nuts, turn handle(s), relative to a threadedsecurement means sub-category or other sub-categories as in non-threadedfasteners such as spring biased pop-out pins which are, for example,manually pushed in during the time of desired release, Velcro patchsets, rotating cam handle and ear clasp, latch assemblies, hybridarrangements of the above, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 7, and 9A to 9C, there is illustrated analternate securement means S which is of a non-tool type and whichcomprises over center latch assembly 62. FIG. 9B illustrates latchassembly 62 having latch base 64, which provides a foundation for thelatch assembly and is preferably mounted on a side of stem 31. Latchassembly includes finger handle 92 having a first end 94 pivotallysecured to latch base 64 and a flange engagement second end 96. Clasp orhook member 98 is pivotally secured between these two ends with apreferred embodiment featuring hook securing opposite side aperturesprovided at an intermediate portion of the clasp handle 92 thoroughwhich extend(s) the bar shaped hook handle clasp member(s) of hookmember 98 at a lower height over center position. The opposite end ofhook member 98 includes clasping end (male member) 100 (e.g., a bent barhook section) which is dimensional for receipt within an aperture(female portion) 102 provided in a side wall of the projection portion14 (e.g., forming a cut and then a die forced inward region above thatcut to form a reception cavity for the hook end. Preferably there isprovided two such over center latches an opposing stem side walls withcorresponding hook reception recesses in side walls of the projectionwith a sliding friction fit therebelow (the clasping means pushing downthe telescoping embodiments into their final state. The projection partcan be nestled within the receiving part, the hook inserted into recess102 on opposite side and then the handles finger manipulated down (e.g.,simultaneously) to opposite sides to further move the upper component 20and lower component 30 into a final secured combination state (see thefinger manipulation shown on one side in FIG. 9C). A reversed of therecess aperture/clasp section is also featured under the presentinvention, but providing the handle hook and base combination on thestem is preferred in most usages as the grill assembly is designed to bemore mobile and stored in a container and thus extra hanging extendingcomponents on the grill assembly itself is less preferable.

For detachment of grill assembly 20 from support stand the handle 92 canbe toggled up to loosen hook component 98 for release from recess 102.Once hook component 102 is moved outwardly away from its graspingrelationship with aperture 102 as shown in FIG. 9A whereupon the grillassembly can be lifted up from its telescoping relationship andseparated from the pedestal stem 31. FIG. 7 illustrates the oppositeside wall positioning of the latch assembly with grill assembly 20removed.

FIG. 12 illustrates gas igniter and flow control knob housing 40 withaperture instructions as well as a schematic view of knob 41, which isused in conjunction with a gas grill embodiment of the presentinvention, although a variety of alternate heat source based grillassemblies are also featured under the present invention includingcharcoal, wood, and other component type fuel sources, as electricalheat sources, etc.

FIG. 14 illustrates a support stem with a substitute member 20′, whichcan be utilized when the grill assembly 20 is removed for use and it isdesired to come over the stem opening O. For example, if there isanticipated an extended usage of the portable grill assembly (e.g.,vacation), alternate cover 20′ can be placed over stem 31 as asubstitute for the grill assembly. In FIG. 14, the replacement uppercomponent is an ornamented insert, although other covering means arealso contemplated, either using common type coupling 14 and/orsecurement means S or alternate covering means as in a plastic cover capor alternate outdoor pedestal supported components, as in coloredshining spheres, bird baths etc. Also, the grill assembly is formed of amaterial to handle the associated high heat levels involved in grilling,as in preferably at least the support region of stem 31, although avariety of materials are available, particularly for the support stand(e.g., metallic, preferably weather resistant either through coating orinherently, as in stainless steel, plastic, composite material, etc.).

With reference particularly to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2I, 2K, 13B, there isdescribed the grease or cooking waste flow channeling means of thepresent invention designed to channel cooking waste derived from foodresting on grill rack 52 or hanger GR (FIG. 2K) down into drip pan 27with minimized degrading contact with components less easily cleanableas in the burner and associated piping when gas is used while alsoproviding a readily removable capture device.

As shown in FIG. 2K when grease or the like falls down off rack 52 itcomes in direct contact with either the inwardly and downwardly slopingwalls of base pan 50 (shown alone in FIGS. 15A-15C) whereupon it willtravel down onto floor 50 e) or it comes in contact with flame disk 51.If the cooking waste comes in contact with flame disk 51 it contactseither the main plate or the covers 51 a covering over apertures DA andpreferably having a dome shaped configuration (convex verticalcross-section) such that he waste is deflected onto flame disk floor 51e whereupon the rising heat and gases traveling through aperture DA willtend to move out the waste to an exterior portion of flame disk floor 51e whereupon it will flow or fall off in view of the downwardly slopingperipheral edging PE. Once it flows off edging 51 e it again falls onthe downwardly sloping side walls of base pan 50.

With reference to FIGS. 15A-15C there can be seen that floor 50 e ofbase pan 50 has a sloped bottom as in a higher front to lower rearplanar floor slope about the flanged central aperture 50 a. Thus, anygrease or the like received in base pan will be maintained on the floorarea as upward flange 50 b is of sufficient height to provide aninternal block while the side walls function as an outer block. FIG. 15Billustrates the slope in floor 50(e) having an angle X which preferablyis a smaller angle (e.g., <10°) as time, heat and gravity tend toaccumulate waste at the lowest region of floor 50 e. Accordingly, atthis lowest region of floor 50(e) there is provided drain aperture 50(f)which can be made relative to small (e.g., less then 2 inch diameter) topromote focused drain exit locating relative to the grill base 22 below.

In this regard, reference is made to FIGS. 1A, 2I and 2K showing thegrill base 22 lower wall 62 with an outlet aperture such as the moonshaped aperture MS in FIG. 2I (covered over by the burner head 43schematic depiction in FIG. 1A). As seen from the cross-sectionaldepiction of 2K there is provided a sloping wall surface 175 providing aski slope like underlying support for waste dropping from waste aperture50 f in the suspended base pan above. Once received on sloped surface175 (e.g., a separate plate component as shown in FIG. 2K or anintegrated (mold or punch formed) configuration in the grill base body.The sloping surface 175 is shown as extending from a border region withthe inner surface of the rear wall of grill base 62 down to the edge ofan aperture formed in the floor 62 of grill base 22 such that theflowing waste does not settle on floor 62 but drops through wasteaperture (WA—FIG. 2I) and into the receiving drip tray 27. Thus, driptray 27 (which is preferably of a drawer type configure) can be readilywithdrawn from the bottom region of grill base 22 (e.g., the projection14 region) as in FIG. 2A and the waste discarded. A slope angle forsurface 175 of 15 to 45° is illustrative and the interior edge ofsurface 175 preferably conforms to whatever edge shape defines the dropdown into drip tray aperture in grill base 22.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, and “preferred” embodiments, are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of theinvention without departing substantially from the spirit and principlesof the invention. For example, rather than a sliding ring on the post,each leg may have a slide projection received in a slide slot in thepost. All such modifications and variations are intended to be includedherein within the scope of the disclosure and the present invention andprotected by the following claims.

1. A cooking apparatus, comprising: a support stand having a grillcoupling section; a grill assembly releasably coupled with the couplingsection of said support stand, and said grill assembly having a standalone leg assembly which is supported by said support stand when saidgrill assembly and support stand are coupled.
 2. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said grill assembly and support stand are coupled in atelescoping relationship.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said legassembly is telescopically received by said support stand.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said grill assembly includes a couplingprojection which extends into a reception cavity formed in said supportstand.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said support stand comprisesa pedestal stand with a base section and a stem, and said stem having anupper opening which opens into said reception cavity and said basehaving a periphery greater than a maximum cross-sectional periphery ofsaid stem.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said leg assembly has anupper portion that is radially inward of a peripheral portion of saidprojection.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said leg assembly iscollapsible and expandable between a collapsed state wherein all legassembly components are radially internal of said peripheral portion ofthe projection to an expanded state wherein said leg assembly extendsradially external to said peripheral portion of said projection.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said leg assembly is collapsible andexpandable between a collapsed state for support stand reception to anexpanded state wherein said leg assembly extends radially outward into astand alone grill support position.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 whereinsaid grill assembly comprises a grill base housing and said leg assemblyincludes a plurality of legs having an upper end coupled to said grillbase housing and leg free ends which rotate between the collapsed andexpanded states.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said legs, when inthe expanded state, slope downwardly and radially outward in an angle of30 to 60 degrees from a horizontal plane.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said grill assembly includes a grill base housing and a slidepost extending below said grill base housing and said leg assemblyincludes a plurality of legs, a plurality of link members and connectionmeans supported by said slide post.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11wherein said connection means includes axially extending sliding slotsformed in said post with insertable engagement slide ends of said linkmembers received in respective sliding slots and precluded form radialrelease when in leg retention mode.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11wherein said connection means includes a sliding member slidable alongsaid post.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said sliding member isa ring member extending about said post and slideable along an axis ofextension of said post, and said link members extending radially outfrom a connection end with said ring member into connection with arespective one of said plurality of legs.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14wherein said link members have a first pivot connection at the ringmember connection end and a second pivot connection at the legconnection end.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said link membersextend out from said ring member in spoke like fashion and said ringmember is adjustable between an upper leg collapsed mode and a lower legexpanded mode.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein, when said ringmember is in the leg expanded mode, said link members are arranged so asto extend with 10° of the horizontal or horizontal.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said link members have an outer end having a first sidewall orientation and a radially inner end having a different side wallorientation.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said link memberscomprise bars with twisted intermediate sections.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said legs have a U-shaped cross section and said linkmembers are pivotably engaged with said legs and have a portion receivedwithin a leg cavity defined by side walls defining said U-shaped crosssectioned legs.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising couplingmeans for coupling the grill assembly and support stand.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein one of said grill assembly and said supportstand includes a coupling projection and an opposite one of said grillassembly and support stand includes a projection reception cavity. 23.The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising securement means forsecuring the coupling relationship between said grill assembly andsupport stand, and wherein said securement means is a non-tool required,finger engagable securement device.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23wherein said securement means includes a latch assembly.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 23 wherein said securement means includes a fingermanipulatable fastener.
 26. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprisinga grill base body and a fuel supply line that is arranged such that thesame fuel supply container can be used without detaching or adjustingthe position of the fuel supply container both when said support standand grill assembly are coupled and when said grill assembly is removedfrom said support stand.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprisinga grill base body and a fuel supply line having an external sectionextending externally to said grill base body and an internal linesection extending within a cavity defined by said grill base body, andsaid external section being rigid enough to suspend a fuel sourcecontainer out away from an exterior surface of said grill base body. 28.A cooking apparatus comprising: a grill assembly; a support stand whichsupports said grill assembly for stand up cooking; coupling means forcoupling said grill assembly and support stand, and said grill assemblyincludes a stand alone support assembly that is received by said supportstand when said grill assembly is coupled to said support stand andprovides a stand alone support to said grill assembly upon separation ofsaid grill assembly form said support stand.
 29. The cooking apparatusof claim 28 wherein said stand alone grill support assembly places saidgrill assembly at a lower height than said support stand.
 30. Thecooking apparatus of claim 28 wherein said support stand includes areception cavity and said stand alone support assembly is receivedwithin said support stand reception cavity when said grill assembly andsaid support stand are coupled.
 31. The cooking apparatus of claim 28wherein said stand alone support assembly has means for expansion andcontraction.
 32. The cooking apparatus of claim 31 wherein said standalone support assembly includes a leg set and a linkage assembly that iscollapsible and expandable.
 33. The cooking apparatus of claim 32wherein said grill assembly includes a base body and a post extendingbelow said base body and said stand alone support assembly includes aleg set and a linkage assembly that is connected to a slide that isarranged for sliding along said post.
 34. A grill assembly for use aloneand in combination with a stand up cooking support stand, comprising: agrill base body; a leg assembly; a collapsing and expansion assemblywhich is connected to said leg assembly for expansion and contraction ofsaid leg assembly; and a coupling device for coupling with the grillbase body the stand up cooking support.
 35. The grill assembly asrecited in claim 34 further comprising a securement component for use insecuring said grill assembly to the stand up cooking support when thegrill assembly is coupled to the stand up cooking support.
 36. The grillassembly of claim 34 wherein said coupling device includes a projectionfor telescopic reception by the stand up cooking support.
 37. The grillassembly of claim 36 further comprising a securement component for usein securing said grill assembly to the stand up cooking support when thegrill assembly is coupled to the stand up cooking support and saidsecurement component being provided on said projection.
 38. A grillassembly comprising: a base pan having a lower floor region with aslope, and said lower floor region laving a drain aperture; a grill basewhich has a cavity within which said base pari is posited, said grillbase supporting a channeling surface positioned below said drainaperture and said grill base further comprising a drop through aperturepositioned in cooking waste flow communication with the channelingsurface; and a receptor having a cavity for receiving waste materialfalling through the drop through aperture.
 39. The grill assembly asrecited in claim 38 further comprising a flame disk with an outer edgewhich is upward flange free or has a downward sloped peripheral flangeand has a main floor with covers positioned to cover protected heatdissipation apertures in the flame disk.
 40. The grill assembly of claim39 wherein said covers have a concave cross-section.
 41. The grillassembly of claim 38 wherein said receptor is a drip tray removablysupported by the grill base.
 42. A method of removing cooking waste bychanneling cooking waste though channeling means of the grill assemblyof claim
 38. 43. Method of assembling a cooking apparatus, comprising:providing a support stand; providing a grill assembly having acollapsible leg assembly in a collapsed state; inserting the collapsibleleg assembly into the support stand and positioning said grill assemblyso as to be supported by said support stand.